Do You Need New Eyeglasses? – 5 Signs It’s Time
Almost everyone has at least a few prized possessions that they carry with them throughout their lives, over the years and decades. Your current eyeglasses should not be one of these things, however.
Although it’s understandable to love the way a specific set of frames looks on your face or come to develop a sentimental attachment to a pair of glasses that brought you through a certain point in life, they will never best serve your needs forever. Even if your prescription hasn’t changed, wear and tear on your eyeglasses will eventually catch up to them (and affect your vision).
The negative effects of aging eyewear can increase so gradually that you may not fully realize it until they reach a tipping point. There is no good reason to put your eyes through any more strain or inconvenience than they need, however. Catching the signs of needing new glasses earlier will be much more beneficial and comfortable for you in the long run.
Here are 5 signs that it’s time to consider a new pair of frames and lenses. It’s not an exhaustive list, though, and we’ll always be happy to see you whenever you have any questions or concerns about your current eyewear.
You Are Getting Headaches on a Regular Basis
While there are a number of factors that can contribute to experiencing consistent headaches, eyestrain is among the most common.
If your prescription has become obsolete – even by a relatively small degree – your eyes may have to strain to maintain focus. Even if you feel you can see perfectly fine, your eyes might be putting extra work “behind the scenes” into making that happen.
That extra work can lead to an increase in the number and duration of headaches you experience – especially during focus-heavy tasks such as working on a computer. Additionally, your eyes may simply feel strained, tired, or irritated more often.
Your Lenses are Scratched Up
Scratches, like an outdated prescription, can lead to added eye strain even if you still feel you can see fine (although you may be amazed how much better your vision will be when looking through undamaged lenses!).
Too many scuffs and marks on your lenses will take a toll over time. Take care of new eyeglasses properly to help prevent damage, and replace your lenses when you start seeing too many dings and scratches build up.
You Are Squinting
Yet another factor in eye strain, squinting means your eyes are putting in more work to focus on the world around you.
The only time you should be squinting is when you’re in a bright environment (here’s where a great pair of sunglasses will save you!), but it can become easy to start squinting without really noticing you are doing so. If you do catch yourself squinting to focus on objects or to clear blurred vision, it’s time to see us.
Your Lenses Have Become Harder to Clean
Does it feel like cleaning your glasses has become more of a pain, even if you’re using the same methods and equipment you always have?
It’s probably not just your imagination. Many lenses are treated with special coatings to help prevent scratching and other ill effects. As these coatings break down over time, however, they can start to leave a film that is harder to remove while cleaning. And, of course, the more you clean your lenses after those coatings have broken down, the more likely your lenses are to gradually accumulate scratches over time.
It’s Been a While Since Your Last Eye Appointment
If it feels like it’s been too long since you’ve come in to see us, you might be right!
On average, eye exams are recommended every year. We may recommend appointments sooner or later than this benchmark depending on your specific circumstances, but being overdue for your next eye exam is a rather good indication that your eyeglasses are likely due for replacement or adjustment.
Be Proactive About Keeping Your Best Vision
Keeping a regular schedule of vision exams is one of the best ways to ensure that your lens prescriptions and the condition of your eyeglasses remain optimal for your needs.
While it might feel like a “bonus” to keep the same pair of glasses for years on end, the chances are quite high that your eyes are straining to see properly through those old lenses more than you know. Not only will consistently updating your eyeglasses help keep your vision clearer and your eyes more comfortable, it can be a great way to change up your look as well (even if you only like doing so a little bit – that’s cool, too!).
If you are currently having any problems with your lenses, frames, or vision – or it’s just been too long since you’ve had your eyes professionally checked – please don’t hesitate to contact our office in Mattawan. We’re always happy to hear from new and returning patients alike.
Call (269) 668-5558 to schedule an appointment with us. If you prefer to reach out to us electronically instead, simply fill out our online contact form and a member of our staff will respond to you during our standard office hours.
